Nothing beats a stack of fluffy pancakes, topped with butter and syrup, fresh off the griddle. Whether you're making breakfast for yourself or serving a crowd, pancakes are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that everyone loves.

With this simple recipe, you'll create golden pancakes with the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor.

Ingredients

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp baking powder

- ½ tsp baking soda

- ¼ tsp salt

- 1 ¼ cups milk (or dairy-free alternative)

- 1 large egg

- 2 tbsp melted butter (or vegetable oil)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

- Butter or oil for cooking

Directions

Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents so your pancakes rise evenly.

Prepare Wet Ingredients: Whisk the melted butter (or oil), egg, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) in a separate bowl or jug until well combined.

Combine Wet and Dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Stir gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense rather than light and fluffy.

Heat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. It's ready when a drop of water sizzles upon contact.

Cook the Pancakes: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges are set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until both sides are golden brown.

Serve Hot: Serve your pancakes hot off the griddle with your favorite toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips.

Pancake Topping Ideas

Classic: Butter and maple syrup.

Fruit: Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries.

Indulgent: Top with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle.

Savory: Try eggs for a hearty twist.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Don't Overmix: Stirring the batter too much activates the gluten in the flour, making your pancakes tough. Stir until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

Test Heat: Too high heat will burn the outside of the pancakes while leaving the inside raw. A medium setting is best for evenly cooked, golden pancakes.

Keep Warm: If you're making a large batch, keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) until you're ready to serve.

Conclusion

Making homemade pancakes is simple, and with a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious breakfast in no time. These light and fluffy pancakes are perfect for any occasion and easily customizable with your favorite toppings.